ON THE MOVE PROPERTY
EDITED BY GRAHAM NORWOOD
HOUSE OF THE MONTH BRUDENELL HOUSE Quainton, Buckinghamshire £2.65M Sell it to us in a sentence... It’s beautifully and immaculately refurbished, hidden by the church at the edge of a thriving village within an hour from London. Does it have any juicy history? The house is now on the market for only the second time since its construction. It was formerly owned by KB McFarlane, one of the most influential British historians and Alan Bennett’s tutor. How would you describe its design? Dating back to the 16th century, the house is a classic Georgian rectory in appearance. Internally, however, it has been renovated and now offers an abundance of period character in a contemporary and comfortable setting. Best room in the house? The drawing room with its wonderful panelling and views over the garden. What would the parties be like here? Glamorous with a healthy mix of locals and friends from London up for just the evening. A perfect party would start with cocktails on the terrace and lead to a band playing in the coach house and a firepit by the lake. Would we need to hire a gardener? The gardens are a mixture of formal and informal. The copse can take care of itself, while the gardens will need a mow but aren’t fussy. … so what’s the downside? Guests overstaying their welcome. With such easy access to London, the phone won’t stop ringing with chums wanting to pop in. What’s on the doorstep? Waddesdon Manor – a stunning Rothschild country house open to the public. Bicester Retail Outlet Village and the city of Oxford are both within 30 minutes. The current owner says… ‘It is a wrench to leave Brudenell House – the village is caring with a strong community and we have loved being part of it. The house is extraordinary, hidden at the end of the village with a view of the church, I don’t think we will ever find a home to replace it.’ 020 7861 1230; knightfrank.com
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